How often do you get to see a 2-Century Old Historical Figure and a teen Secret Agent dance together in Upper Darby? Not as often as you might think ;)

But for the first time ever, two celebrity finalists have joined a Dancing with the Stars Winter Tour -- and they'll be dazzling us with their fancy footwork.

Mirrorball Champ, actor Jordan Fisher starred in the Broadway Show Hamilton, while finalist Frankie Muniz portrayed TV's Malcom in the Middle and starred as a teen CIA agent in the film Agent Cody Banks.Both will be reprising their incredible season 25 performances alongside their pro partners Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson.

This all-new production showcases every style of dance seen on ABC's hit show, produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, from sizzling salsas to elegant waltzes and high-energy group numbers, plus original pieces choreographed by Emmy®-winning choreographer Mandy Moore.

This Winter arrived with several early blankets of snow and more are sure to come. But while our gardens and forests slumber, Scott Arboretum invites you to 'tour' ancient horticultural sites in the Appalachian mountains (where Last of the Mohicans & The Hunger Games were filmed) -- and the gorgeous Persian Gardens in Iran.JANUARY 14th:Mountain of the Heart: Revisiting the Ancient Appalachians

Scott Arboretum decked out in winter-white.

The Arboretum, which is frequently ranked among the most beautiful campuses in the world invites lovers of horticulture and history to a thought-provoking evening with Scott Weidensaul who will discuss his newly revised and expanded 20th anniversary edition of his award-winning book, Mountains of the Heart: A Natural History of the Appalachians. So come in from the cold and have a cocktail or glass of wine with friends.

This entertaining and visually stimulating presentation examines the conservation challenges and successes that recent decades have brought to these seemingly timeless hills, and what the future may hold for them.Date & Time: Sunday, January 14, 4 to 7 pmCost: $25.00 (includes lecture and hors d'ouevres)Location: Chang Hou Hall
Advance Registration is required.
Contact 610-328-8025 or visit Scott Arboretum Website

JANUARY 18th: Wanderings at One - The Persian Garden: UNESCO World Heritage Site

One of the Persian Gardens at a World Heritage Site in Iran.

This lecture explores five of the nine gardens from the different epochs and climates that make up the Persian Garden World Heritage Site (one of the 21 World Heritage Sites in Iran). Michael Brown will generalize about the features of Persian gardens, and discuss the influence of this style in Iranian and world gardening. Architecture and culture will be mentioned when they are important to viewing the gardens in context.

This is a FREE event - 1 to 2 pm

In the Lang Performing Arts Center Cinema

The Wanderings at One series is an informal way to share what has been seen and discovered in various gardens and natural spaces throughout the world. For questions about weather cancellations, parking info and more: Scott Arboretum Website

In January Hollywood has its Golden Globes – but Longwood has its Annual Orchid Extravaganza! Don't miss the sights and scents of 4,500+ orchids lavishly featured throughout their warm Conservatory, Peirce-du Pont House, and Welcome Center.

Prepare to be wowed by:

A towering 12-foot-tall archway of pink Phalaenopsis orchids

Giant orbs of orchids suspended from the ceiling

A spectacular curtain of purple and white orchids

And - new this year - orchid wrapped columns in the Exhibition Hall

The Orchid is more than just a pretty face – it's almost human!It has quite a family tree...There are 25,000+ species of orchid and scientists are finding more every day. Plus horticulturalists are breeding orchids with other plants to create more offspring that are as unique and beautiful as the original."Here's Lookin' at you, kid!"According to an article on LiveScience.com, an orchid has bilateral symmetry — like a human face — so if a line is drawn vertically down the middle of the flower, the two halves are mirror images of each other. Now I'm a little nervous - I think my office orchid is watching me...!?!

Orchids are shameless ;)Orchids deceive insects into pollinating them with reproductive parts that are shaped and colored to look like the kind of insect they hope to attract. Once the insect is interested, the orchid's pollen sticks to the bug until it flies off to find another orchid that it mistakes for a mate.

As humans, we grow them, we wear them ... and yes, if you ate cake and cookies over Christmas, you ate them!That's because Vanilla, a species of orchid, is one of the most popular ingredients in the world of perfumery - and the "flat leafed" vanilla plant is used in everything from ice cream to the far-too-many yummy Christmas goodies I ate last month!Exhibit runs January 20th to March 25th.

Click here for more information on the Orchid ExtravaganzaOn January 15th Bring the family to OrKID Day!Young and old alike will love touring and exploring the discovery stations, interactive story readings, and a family seek-and-find in their Orchid-filled Conservatory. Hours: 11am to 2pm

Whether you just got engaged over Christmas...or you're ready to pick the perfect wedding venue – start by visiting our Destination Delco Wedding Guide to more than 20 Classic, Romantic, Legendary, Dreamy and Bewitching locations across Delaware County!After all, as a Tourism Bureau it’s sort of our job to know all the best party places. For purely professional reasons, of course... ;)

Our Wedding Guide is broken out into 5 major categories, as shown below. Each category has at least 5 amazing venues including Brandywine Vineyards - a Riverfront Yacht Club - Country Barns - Gardens - Rustic Cabins - Mansions - a famous Rock and Roll Concert Hall - and even a Helicopter Museum where you can literally fly in to your wedding party!

The Classics picture features Dexelbrook, the Romantics photo is of Grace Winery, the Legends photo is the Tower Theater,the Bewitching photo is of Hamanassett B&B, and the Dreamscapes picture represents our beautiful Country Club and Brandywine settings.

You'll explore some of the most romantic, elegant and over the top wedding party places imaginable, – from Philly's famous Main Line, to the lush Brandywine countryside, the gorgeous Delaware Riverside and everything in between.

So, grab a coffee or a glass of wine - open your most romantic playlist - click on the link below, and let's get your party started! Delco Wedding Guide

Good Golly Miss Molly! Hedgerow Theatre's stage will be sizzling with Boogie Woogie music starting January 11th with the opening of THE BOOGIE WOOGIE RADIO HOUR Show.

From Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, to Tommy Dorsey, the Andrew Sisters and Pinetop Smith -- Boogie Woogie had Americans leaping, spinning and twirling on dance floors across the country in the 40’s and 50’s.

Starting January 11th, rediscover the music that drove the club and dance scene crazy in Hedgerow Theatre’s new Main Stage Production: The Boogie Woogie Radio Hour

This show features lots of laughs and plenty of your favorite classic tunes...It’s 1948 and Radio WBGW is the biggest little radio station in the biggest small town in Texas. The 10th Anniversary LIVE Radio Production is the hottest ticket in town, the high school gym is bound to be full to the brim and everyone in town is buzzing with excitement! There’s even a big name Star scheduled to perform! But what happens when that big name gets re-routed at the last minute? Will the anniversary celebration come to a screeching halt, disappointing everyone? Who could possibly save the day? This show features lots of laughs and plenty of your favorite classic tunes!

Boogie-woogie became popular during the late 1920s, but developed in African American communities in the 1870s. It was eventually extended from piano, to piano duo and trio, guitar, big band, country and western music, and gospel. While the blues traditionally expresses a variety of emotions, boogie-woogie is mainly associated with dancing.

If you've ever gone hiking in the woods with your dad, it's something you remember all your life. So register now for Tyler Arboretum's DADS & DAUGHTERS Hike and Hot Chocolate Morning on Saturday, January 13th.

The picture above could have been me and my dad...in fall and winter we'd bundle up like Goodyear blimps, don the goulashes and set outside for a great adventure.

Boy - I came out hunting for a few nutsand I think I just found some.... ;)

We'd hunt for cool rocks...stomp around in little creeks...and scan the damp ground and muddy places for animal tracks. But the memory I love most is laying down on a cold grassy spot, shoulder to shoulder, watching squirrels play overhead in the leafless canopy of branches.

Make great memories as you both investigate the different way animals survive the winter - and learn clues that tell us which animals are still around and what they're doing. Afterwards, warm up with hot chocolate and a special treat. Suitable for ages 5 and up. $10 members, $15 non-members. To register: Click here to register for Dads & Daughters Hike

More Special EventsThe Tri-State Jazz Society presents Dave Posmontier’s Dixie KingsNew Orleans Mardi Gras meets Winter in Delco at CAC on January 7th, 2 – 4 pm
Dave Posmontier, pictured in the top photo, is a renowned keyboard artist who has performed and recorded with many jazz artists – including Christian McBride, James Moody, Chris Potter, Grover Washington Jr., David "Fathead" Newman, and Johnny Hartman. Becoming interested in traditional jazz in the 1990’s, he formed the Dixie Kings with trumpeter Stan Slotter.

Mad Poets Society ReadingJanuary 3rd, starting at 7pm
The Mad Poets Society has been an integral part of the Philadelphia writing community for many years. With more than 100 members in six states they are an active organization of poets and writers who have joined together for camaraderie and critique with heart, to celebrate the creative soul and to promote the literary arts. Mad Poets Society Website

In 96 years, the ghosts of Villanova Teams past have left a major mark on NCAA Men's Basketball: two #1 Championships - and 5 appearances in the Final Four. This month the 'Cats march into the madness for the 97th time... hungry for another chance to bring home the trophy. WILDCATS JANUARY SCHEDULE
01/06/18 vs.Marquette
01/10/18 vs.Xavier
01/13/18 at St. John's
01/17/18 at Georgetown
01/20/18 at UConn
01/28/18 at Marquette

Dec 22nd Villanova Wildcats forward Eric Paschall (4) defends the shot of Hofstra Pride guard
Kenny Wormley (2) during the first half of the game between the Hofstra Pride and the
Villanova Wildcats at Nassau Coliseum. Photo Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

Here are just a few of the honors and milestones achieved by Villanova's Wildcats:

They were national champions in 1985 and 2016.

Their 1985 NCAA Championship as an 8 seed still stands as the lowest seed ever to win the title.

That game is referred to as "The Perfect Game" as they shot a record 78.6% as a team for the game.

Their 2016 NCAA Championship, is referred to as "The Perfect Ending" and is the only NCAA Men's Championship game to be won on a buzzer beating 3 pointer by Kris Jenkins

They have won the Big East regular season championship 8 times, most recently winning 4 straight from 2014–2017.

Villanova entered the 2016–2017 season with an all-time winning percentage of (.648), placing the Wildcats tied for 13th among all NCAA Division I basketball programs.

Villanova has won the Philadelphia Big Five 25 times which is the second most of any team, including 4 straight from 2014–2017.

There’s nothing like honey, wine and great music to turn cold January days into warm, wonderful afternoons!On January 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th you'll be more than willing to fight off Pooh and his gang for some of the amaaaaaazing Honey and Cheese Pairings served up at Penns Woods Winery.

Gino Razzi with daughter, Carley

These award-winning vintners are teaming up with top local cheese and honey artisans to bring you creative, one-of-a-kind Wine, Cheese, and Honey Pairings. The experience features a tasty sit-down pairing of 5 premium Penns Woods wines with unique and luscious cheeses and honey from local farms. The cost $28.00 per person and reservations are required.

As January ushers in another year, it is the perfect time for both looking back - and looking forward.

On the 15th we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- America's holiday honoring one of our most influential and iconic leaders of the civil rights movement. This holiday was proposed 4 days after his death in 1968...and was passed by Congress in 1983, reminding us that great achievements take time, determination and refusal to give up. Martin Luther King never gave up - and for his lifetime of service and dedication to the American Civil Rights Movement he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Though assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis Tennessee on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel - his legacy lives on. The site is now home to the National Civil Right Museum.Looking forward- Plan to attend the 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration at the First Methodist Church of Media, at State and Lemon Streets on January 14th.

First Methodist Church of Media, PA

It starts at 3:45pm and honors the life and work of Dr. King

Keynote Speaker is Laurie L. Levenson, Esq., Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Legal Advocacy at Loyaloa Law School of Loyola Marymount University. The Professor lectures throughout the country and has been legal commentator for CBS, CNN, ABC, NBC and NPR.

The event introduces THE SPIRIT HALL OF FAME: honoring Americans who have lived within the past 100 years, and have walked in the steps Dr. King, emulating his qualities of loyalty, leadership, integrity, honesty, and courage. The first 10 inductees will be announced, accompanied by posters, illustrated and designed by artist George Rothacker, along with bios of each of those selected. A reception will be hosted in Fellowship Hall by the Media Area Unit NAACP following the celebration.

Early coca cola logo and bottle.

Looking back...we use the date of his holiday, January 15th -- to highlight other events that alsohelped shape, grow or challenge our nation:

•1815: Four British ships capture the USS President – an American frigate that was commanded by Commodore Stephen Decatur during the War of 1812.•1844: Indiana gives the University of Notre Dame its charter on this day.•1870: For the first time, a political cartoon shows a donkey as a symbol of the Democratic Party in Harper’s Weekly.•1889: The Pemberton Medicine Company is incorporated in the city of Atlanta in Georgia on this day. This company would later become the Coca-Cola Company.•1892: The rules to the game of basketball are published by James Naismith on this day.•1910:Construction on the highest dam in the world – at least at the time – finishes when the Buffalo Bill Dam located in Wyoming is finished. It was named after the famous Wild West Figure Wm. "Buffalo Bill" Cody who owned much of the land now covered by the reservoir.

Buffalo Bill Dam in Wyoming

•1919: Twenty-one people are killed and another one hundred and fifty are wounded when a wave of molasses suddenly escapes from an exploding storage tank and floods down through the streets of Boston in Massachusetts.•1936: The first all-glass building – constructed for the Owens-Illinois Glass Company – is finished on this day in Toledo, Ohio.•1943: Dedication ceremonies for the Pentagon are held in Arlington, Virginia.•1947: The dismembered corpse of Elizabeth Short is discovered in Los Angeles. The murder would be known as the Black Dahlia Murder Case.

Soyuz 5 Astronaut Patch

•1967: Super Bowl 1 is played in L.A. In this first super bowl game, the Kansas City Chiefs are defeated by the Green Bay Packers. The final score is 35-10.•1969: The Soyuz 5 is launched by the Soviet Union, which docked with Soyuz 4 in orbit. It was the first-ever docking of two manned spacecraft of any nation, and the first-ever transfer of crew from one space vehicle to another of any nation – two months before the US Apollo 9 mission performed the first ever internal crew transfer.•1976: The 45-year old woman who attempted to assassinate U.S President Gerald Ford is given a life sentence. In 2007, she was paroled from prison after serving 32-years.